The 2014 season came to an end today at the Franklin Mt. Hawkwatch, sponsored by the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc.-the 26th continuous year of counting at this site. Three raptors were recorded under overcast skies on light to moderate westerly winds. An adult Golden Eagle passing at 2:05 p.m. was the last bird of the season.
Counting began on Aug. 19, and continued on 109 dates, totaling 643 hours of coverage. Total raptors tallied was 4981 of 15 species, 6% below the 12 year average since full time counting began. Most species were down, with only Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, and Broad-winged Hawk showing in above average numbers. The high single day total came Sept. 17 with 464 birds, of which 427 were broad-wings. Double-digit Golden Eagle days came on Nov. 2 and Dec. 1, with 14 each date. GE total for the season was 147, down from the site average of 172. All FMHW data is available at www.hawkcount.org. Thanks go to the dedicated volunteer team of counters: Andy Cooper, Larry Dake, Fred Fries, Becky Gretton, Andrea Lodovice, Andy Mason, Ralph Niederlander, Tom Salo, with a special shout out to stalwart Steve Hall who covered nearly half of the dates, as he has for many years. Much appreciation also for the spotters and supporters who helped out this year. Andy Mason Delaware-Otsego Audubon Soc. Andrew Mason 1039 Peck St. Jefferson, NY 12093 (607) 652-2162 [email protected] -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
